FMB leaders fighting to save Seafarer's Village

FORT MYERS BEACH: Lee County Commissioners want to tear down Seafarer's Village on Estero Boulevard at the base of the bridge. But the town mayor is fighting to save it.

The Fort Myers Beach Town Council talked about the fate of Seafarer's village for 2.5 hours Monday.

The meeting was called last minute to stop county officials from bringing in the wrecking ball.

The county says Seafarer's is an eyesore and a liability because it is in disrepair, with mold and exposed pipes and wires.

The sheriff's office has been called out on reports of trespassing, a-c thefts and vandalism on the building.

The county's recommendation is to demolish Seafarer's and build a parking lot in its place.

But, not all Fort Myers Beach Town Council members are ready to see the building go. The council wants to purchase the property and keep restoration as an option.

Even though this is just a small piece of Lee County, it's 100 percent of what happens to Fort Myers Beach. We think we have the right ideas and motivation to make this something tourists, citizens and visitors would enjoy," Fort Myers Beach Mayor Larry Kiker.

Monday, beach leaders made a unanimous decision to ask the county to hold off for 90 days while it negotiates on a price for Seafarer's

It also wants to negotiate taking over three county-owned beach properties including the beach across from Seafarer's, Lynn Hall and Bowditch Point.

County leaders were originally set to vote on the demolition in early April.